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What is an ethical breeder? There are many people out there that call themselves breeders but what divides the "back yard breeder from the professional breeder. Some sites will tell you that they will not ask you to fill out an application because of how it can make you feel. Well a breeder cares about who is interested in one of their puppies and would like to know a bit about what you as the puppy purchaser is looking for. If your puppy is purchased from a pet shop can you contact the breeder at any time to ask questions about your puppy or have the enjoyment of seeing the puppies mom and dad? Probably not. How do you know if you are contacting a reputable breeder ... A reputable breeder loves and cares for their animals as PETS, not as gainful property. They diligently maintain records of their litters, vaccinations, vet care and general health of each animal. The genetic soundness of their animals is of greatest importance to them. They breed for health and temperament, and are concerned with quality. NOT QUANITY.
But how do you know if you are contacting a reputable breeder...or a puppy mill? The following is a few questions to ask . Look out for warning bells...
1. Are they familiar with the CKC or the BBCC official standard for the breed. If not why not!!
2. Do they know the genetic problems typical of the breed. Are dogs used in a breeding program tested for these genetic problems. Are the dogs CERTIFIED for these genetic problems. If not why not!!
3. How old is the bitch. A good breeder will not breed a bitch before her second heat cycle and never under 12 months of age.
4. What was the purpose of doing the breeding? Are any puppies being kept or going into show homes. If not why not!!
5. Does the breeder belong to a Breed Club. If not why not!!
6. Does the breeder offer you an "after-sale" support. If not why not!!
7. Does the breeder offer you a written health guarantee? If not why not!!!
8. Does the breeder have a contract. If not why not!!
9. Can the breeder tell you why he or she has chosen a particular stud for their bitch. And can they can tell you about the pedigree . If not why not!!
10. If the breeder claims they have "show quality" dogs, are they involved in conformation competition? If not how can they claim "show quality" if they have never shown their dogs!!
11. Is the breeder knowledgeable about raising puppies and socialization. If not why not!!
12. Can the breeder give you copies of both parents pedigree. If not why not!!
13. Are the parents CKC or BBCC registered and are the puppies CKC or BBCC registered. If not why not!!
14. Is the breeder supportive of other breeders and competitors and refer a puppy buyer to other reputable breeders if he or she does not something available. If not why not!!
15. Does the breeder screen puppy buyers and refuse a sale if it does not appear to be in the puppies best interest. If not why not!!